JP2000106592A - Telephone set with voice reply function - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telephone set with a voice reply function that prevents a malfunction of the voice reply function due to a surrounding noise in an excellent way by setting a range of a length, a frequency and a magnitude of a voice signal to start a hand-free speech to a range suitable for a voice of each user or an environment around the telephone set without losing convenience of the voice reply function. SOLUTION: In the case that a voice reply cannot be accepted in spite of making a voice reply (S3: NO) or in the case that a voice reply is accepted due to the function reacting a surrounding noise although no voice uply is made (S3: YES), this means that an adaptive range as a criterion for the voice reply, of the voice recognition section is not suitable for the user or a surrounding environment of the telephone set. In this case, a sensitivity revision key is depressed (S9: YES) to display a sensitivity level after the revision (S11), and after the sensitivity level is revised (S13), whether or not a voice reply is again detected in an excellent way (S3) is confirmed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for detecting a call signal from an external communication line, and based on the length, frequency and loudness of the sound input from the microphone, the sound has a predetermined length. A telephone with a voice response function having a voice response function capable of starting a hands-free call via a microphone and a speaker without performing an off-hook operation when the voice is recognized as belonging to a range of frequency and size. Related to the device,
In particular, the present invention relates to a telephone device with a voice response function that can easily set a criterion for determining a matching range of voice determined via a voice recognition unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a call signal from an external communication line is detected, a response such as "Hi" is sent to a telephone device, so that a hands-free call can be made with a communication partner. A telephone device with a voice response function having a voice response function that can be started has been put to practical use.

In this type of telephone device with a voice response function, in order to distinguish a voice response from a user from various noises around the telephone device, a length of approximately 0.2 seconds to 0.8 seconds is used. 400Hz ~ 1500Hz frequency and -30d
It is configured to start a hands-free call only when a voice having a size of B or more is recognized.

[0004]

However, there is an individual difference in the voice uttered by a person, and in order to enable voice response by all, the length and frequency of the voice for starting a hands-free call are required. In addition, it is necessary to set the size range to be wider.

[0005] If the range of the length, frequency and size of the voice for starting such a hands-free call is too wide, it becomes impossible to distinguish between the voice response by the user and the surrounding noise, and the voice response function is not provided. If the width is too small, the voice response by the user is not accepted, and the usability of the voice response function is deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the length, frequency and range of voice for starting a hands-free call are determined by voice for each user or around the telephone device. To provide a telephone device with a voice response function that can satisfactorily prevent malfunction of the voice response function due to ambient noise without impairing the convenience of the voice response function. It is intended to be.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a telephone apparatus with a voice response function, comprising: a microphone for inputting voice, a speaker for outputting voice, and an external communication line. When a call signal is detected, a voice recognition unit that determines whether the length, frequency, and loudness of the voice input from the microphone is a voice belonging to a compatible range, based on a determination result by the voice recognition unit. A voice response unit that can start communication with a communication partner via a microphone and a speaker, a conforming range setting unit that can arbitrarily set a conforming range of voice, and a sound that is set via the conforming range setting unit. A display unit capable of displaying a matching range.

According to the telephone apparatus with the voice response function, the adaptation range including the length, frequency, and size of the voice for starting communication with the communication partner via the voice response function is set in the adaptation range setting unit. Can be arbitrarily set via the. Thereby, a voice response by the user can be accepted, and an adaptation range including a voice length, a frequency, and a loudness that does not cause a malfunction of the voice response function due to ambient noise,
Since the optimum range can be set, malfunction of the voice response function can be properly prevented, and the user can use the apparatus easily. In addition, since the adaptation range can be set while visually observing via the display unit, the setting of the adaptation range becomes easy and the usability is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the telephone device with a voice response function according to the first aspect, the adaptation range setting unit sets the adaptation range of the voice based on the volume of the voice. It is characterized in that it can be set in a specific way.

According to this telephone apparatus with a voice response function, in addition to the effect of the telephone apparatus with a voice response function according to claim 1, a voice for starting communication with a communication partner via the voice response function is further provided. The adaptation range consisting of the length, frequency and size can be set and displayed in a stepwise manner based on the volume of the audio via the adaptation range setting unit, so that the configuration is simple and effective. In addition, malfunction of the voice response function can be prevented, and it is very convenient for the user.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cordless parent-child telephone device having a voice response function according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1 (A), a master unit 10 connected to an external communication line and a slave unit 50 capable of communicating with master unit 10 via a wireless communication line as shown in FIG. 1 (B). It is configured.

The base unit 10 provided in the cordless parent-child telephone device is a multifunctional telephone device having various functions such as an answering machine function, a facsimile function, a copy function, a scanner function, and a printer function. As elements, master controller 11, which controls the center of control, master operation panel 13, master liquid crystal display (LCD) 15, master call bell 17, scanner 19, printer 21, code /
Decoder 23, modem 25, line control circuit (NCU) 2
7, a handset 29, a base unit speaker 31, a base unit microphone 33, a base unit wireless communication control circuit 35, a base unit antenna 37, and a switch 39.

The base unit controller 11 includes a CPU, an RO,
M, RAM, EEPROM, timer and voice recognition unit 1
2 and the like, and the CPU executes various control processes such as a voice sensitivity adjustment process and a voice response process described later. Note that programs for various control processes executed by the CPU and data necessary for the control processes are stored in the ROM in advance. The RAM is used as a work area and a buffer in various control processes.
Further, the EEPROM is provided for storing information such as telephone directory registration. The timer is used for measuring the duration of a voice in a voice sensitivity adjustment process and a voice response process described later. In addition, the voice recognition unit 12 is provided with the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 6 described later.
3 is provided for determining whether or not the length, frequency, and loudness of the voice input from No. 3 are within the applicable range.

The main unit operation panel 13 is provided with a numeric keypad used for inputting a telephone number or a facsimile number, a confirmation key pressed for registration in a telephone directory, etc., for communicating via an external communication line. A mode setting key for setting a mode for responding to a call signal to an answering machine mode, a facsimile-only mode, and the like, and a sensitivity change key for changing a voice sensitivity level in a stepwise manner in a voice sensitivity adjustment process described later. In addition, base unit LCD 15 performs display for function selection when activating a facsimile transmission function, displays a telephone number of a communication partner corresponding to a number display service, and performs voice sensitivity adjustment processing to be described later. At this time, the level of the voice sensitivity is displayed stepwise. Further, when detecting a calling signal from the external communication line, base unit calling bell 17 repeats ringing for one second and no sound for two seconds, thereby receiving an incoming call signal to base unit 10.
Notify nearby users.

The scanner 19 is provided for reading a document when performing facsimile transmission or copying. The printer 21 is provided to execute a copy function of printing out facsimile data received from an external communication line on recording paper or printing out image data of a document read by the scanner 19 on recording paper. Have been.

The encoder / decoder 23 encodes image data read by the scanner 19 in facsimile transmission into a data format for facsimile transmission such as G3 compression format, and conversely, converts compressed image data received in facsimile into a printer. 21 is provided for compounding the data into a format that can be output.

The modem 25 and the NCU 27 are provided for communicating with a communication partner via an external communication line and for performing facsimile transmission and reception. Also, modem 2
The modem 5 also functions as a DSP for performing digital signal processing based on voice input from the parent device microphone 33 or a child device microphone 63 described later when a call signal from an external communication line is detected. Based on the digital signal obtained through the above, whether or not a voice response has been made in the vicinity of the parent device 10 or the child device 50 is determined by the voice recognition unit 12 provided in the parent device controller 11.

When the handset 29 detects a call signal from an external communication line, it goes off-hook,
It communicates via an external communication line. In addition, base unit speaker 31 is provided to output the voice of the communication partner during a hands-free call. Further, base unit microphone 33 is provided for inputting a user's voice during a hands-free call or inputting a voice around base unit 10 when detecting a calling signal from an external communication line. ing. The master unit wireless communication control circuit 35 is provided for performing wireless communication between the master unit 10 and the slave unit 50 via the master unit antenna 37. Further, the switch 39
This is for switching between the voice input from the parent device microphone 33 and the voice input from the child device microphone 63 received via the parent device antenna 37 to the modem 25.

The slave unit 50 includes, as main components, a slave unit controller 51 which controls the control center and a slave unit operation panel 5.
3, a handset liquid crystal display (LCD) 55, a handset call bell 57, a handset speaker 61, a handset microphone 63, a handset wireless communication control circuit 65, and a handset antenna 67.

The slave controller 51 includes a CPU, an RO,
This is a logical operation circuit including an M, a RAM, an EEPROM, and the like, and the CPU executes various control processes.
Note that programs for various control processes executed by the CPU and data necessary for the control processes are stored in the ROM in advance. The RAM is used as a work area and a buffer in various control processes. Further, the EEPROM is provided for storing information such as telephone directory registration.

The slave unit operation panel 53 performs an off-hook operation when detecting a ten key used for inputting a telephone number or a facsimile number and a call signal from the external communication line in order to perform communication via the external communication line. A call start key, a decision key pressed when registering a telephone directory, and a sensitivity change key for changing the level of voice sensitivity stepwise during voice sensitivity adjustment processing to be described later. In addition, the slave unit LCD5
Reference numeral 5 indicates a telephone number of a communication partner corresponding to the number display service, and a stepwise display of a voice sensitivity level in a voice sensitivity adjustment process described later.
Further, when detecting the calling signal from the external communication line, the handset calling bell 57 notifies the user around the handset 50 of the arrival of the calling signal by repeating the ringing for one second and the non-ringing for two seconds.

The slave speaker 61 is provided to output a voice of the other party during a telephone call with a communication partner via an external communication line or during an extension telephone call with the master unit 10. The sub-unit microphone 63 is provided for inputting a voice from a user during communication with an external communication line or an extension call. Note that the handset microphone 63 also has a role of inputting a voice around the handset 50 when detecting a call signal from an external communication line. Further, the slave unit wireless communication control circuit 65 is provided for performing wireless communication between the slave unit 50 and the master unit 10 via the slave unit antenna 67. The sub-unit microphone 63 is provided for inputting a voice from a user during communication with an external communication line or an extension call. Note that the handset microphone 63 also has a role of inputting a voice around the handset 50 when detecting a call signal from an external communication line. Further, the slave unit wireless communication control circuit 65
Is provided for performing wireless communication between the child device 50 and the parent device 10 via the child device antenna 67.

Next, the length and frequency of the voice used to determine whether or not the voice input from the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 63 is a predetermined voice via the voice recognition unit 12. The audio sensitivity adjustment processing for setting the adaptation range consisting of the size suitable for each user will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Note that the audio sensitivity adjustment processing is executed by operating a sensitivity change key provided on the parent device operation panel 13 or the child device operation panel 53 in a standby state of the telephone device.

First, when the voice sensitivity adjustment process is started, the main unit LCD 15 or the sub unit LCD 55 is displayed on the main unit LCD 15 or the sub unit LCD 55 as shown in FIG.
A display for instructing voice input as shown in (a) is performed (S1). Next, it is determined whether or not a voice response from the user has been input through the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 63 (S3), and if the voice response has been recognized through the voice recognition unit 12 (S3). : YES) informs the user that the voice response has been accepted by voice such as "beep, beep" (S5), and displays it on the parent device LCD 15 or the child device LCD 55 as shown in FIG. Display (S7). Note that one of the voices input through the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 63 is selectively input to the modem 25 via the switch 39, and is subjected to digital signal processing via the modem 25 or the like. The voice recognition unit 12 provided in the base unit controller 11 determines whether the digital data is a voice having a predetermined length, frequency, and volume.
No. 3 or a state in which it is determined that there is no voice response from the slave unit microphone (S3: NO) indicates a time when any of the length, frequency, or volume of the voice does not conform to the predetermined value.

Here, for example, when a voice response "Hi" is given but the voice response is not accepted (S3: NO), or when "Hi" is not heard, the voice response to the surrounding noise is made. And a voice response is accepted (S
3: YES) means that the adaptation range used as a criterion for the voice response of the voice recognition unit 12 is not suitable for the user and the surrounding environment, and the former has too low voice sensitivity to detect the voice of the user. On the other hand, the latter has too good voice sensitivity and reacts to unnecessary surrounding noise, so it can be said that both need to be set to a suitable range suitable for the user and the environment.

Next, it is determined whether or not the sensitivity change key provided on the master unit operation panel 13 or the slave unit operation panel 53 has been pressed (S9). If the sensitivity change key has been pressed (S9: YES), , The changed sensitivity level is displayed as shown in FIG. 3 (c) and FIG. 3 (d) (S1).
At the same time as 1), the sensitivity level is temporarily changed (S)
13). The sensitivity levels are shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D.
Can be changed to four levels as shown in FIG. 5, and in the present embodiment, the sound volume (dB) is set to −32 dB or more and −30 dB or more.
The configuration can be set in four stages of B or more, -28 dB or more, and -26 dB or more.

The sensitivity level is temporarily changed (S13).
Thereafter, the process shifts to the process of S1 again, and is temporarily changed (S1
It is confirmed whether or not a good voice response is possible at the sensitivity level of 3), and the processes from S1 to S13 are repeatedly executed until a voice response suitable for the user or the environment becomes possible.

In the processing of S1 to S13, the stop key provided on the master unit operation panel 13 or the slave unit operation panel 53 is pressed without the sensitivity change key being pressed in the processing of S9 (S9: NO). (S14: YES) or until the enter key provided on the parent device operation panel 13 or the child device operation panel 53 is pressed (S15: YES).

Here, when the stop key is pressed (S1)
4: YES), the sensitivity adjustment process ends without performing the sensitivity change determination (S19). On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the enter key has been pressed (S15: YES), the fact that the enter key has been pressed is indicated by the parent device LCD 15 or the child device LCD 55.
In addition to the display above (S17, see FIG. 3E), the sensitivity level is changed to the sensitivity level when the enter key is pressed (S15: YES) (S19), and the sensitivity adjustment processing ends. If the stop key and the confirmation key are not pressed (S14: NO, S15: NO), the process shifts to the process of S3 again, and the processes of S1 to S15 are repeated.

Next, the voice response processing when a call signal from the external communication line is detected will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the standby state of the telephone device (S21: NO), the user sets various modes such as an answering machine mode or a facsimile exclusive mode via a mode setting key of the base unit operation panel 13 in advance, thereby enabling external communication. The configuration is such that a response to a call signal from a line can be selectively set.

First, the standby state of the telephone device (S21: N
In O), the call signal from the external communication line is NCU2
7 is detected (S21: YES), the ringing of the base unit calling bell 17 and the slave unit calling bell 57 is started, and the answering machine is set in advance by the user via the mode setting key of the base unit operation panel 13. It is determined whether the mode has been set to the mode (S23), and if the mode has not been set to the answering machine mode (S23: NO), similarly, the FAX
It is determined whether the mode is set to the exclusive mode (S2
5).

Here, the answering machine mode (S23: YE)
If the mode is set to S) or the FAX only mode (S25: YES), it is determined whether or not the user has performed off-hook within a predetermined time (S29). here,
The mode is set to the answering machine mode (S23: YES) or the fax only mode (S25: YES).
When no off-hook is detected within a predetermined time (S29:
NO) activates an answering machine function or facsimile function (not shown). The answering machine function performs a process of transmitting a predetermined message to a communication partner via an external communication line and storing the message of the communication partner in a RAM provided in the base unit controller 11,
On the other hand, the facsimile function performs a process of receiving facsimile data from an external communication line and printing out the data via a printer 21 provided in the master device 10. As described above, even when the mode is set to the answering machine mode (S23: YES) or the facsimile only mode (S25: YES), the user can operate within a predetermined time after detecting the calling signal from the external communication line. By going off-hook (S29: YES), it is possible to make a call with the communication partner without executing the answering machine function or the facsimile function.

If the mode is not set to the answering machine mode or the fax only mode (S23: NO,
(S25: NO), it is determined whether or not a voice response from the user is being made via the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 63 (S27). If no voice response is confirmed (S27: NO), Then, the process proceeds to S29, and an off-hook is detected by the base unit 10 or the slave unit 50 (S29: YES), or a voice response is confirmed around the base unit 10 or the slave unit 50 (S27: YES). ) Until S2
The processes of 3 to S29 are repeatedly executed. The determination of the presence or absence of the voice response (S27) is based on the voice input from the parent device microphone 33 or the child device microphone 63 based on the digital data of the voice obtained through the modem 25 having the DSP function. The length, frequency, and loudness of the voice are determined by the recognition unit 12 based on whether or not the voice belongs to the adaptation range, and the adaptation range at this time uses the one determined by the above-described sensitivity adjustment processing. .

Here, when the processes of S23 to S29 are repeatedly executed, the master unit 10 or the slave unit 5
0 when off-hook is detected (S29: YE
S) is the master unit 10 or the slave unit 5 that has been hooked off-hook.
0 and the external communication line are closed (S31), and communication with the communication partner is started (S33). This call is continued until the on-hook of the communication partner or user is detected (S35: NO), and the on-hook of the communication partner or user is detected (S35: YE).
S), the call is terminated (S37), the line with the external communication line is released (S47), and the voice response process is terminated.

On the other hand, when the above-described processing of S23 to S29 is repeatedly executed, in the processing of S27, a voice corresponding to a predetermined length, frequency and size is sent from the user to the modem 25 and the voice recognition unit. 12 (S27: YES), it is determined that there is a voice response to the call signal from the external communication line, the line with the external communication line is closed (S39), and a hands-free call is made. It starts (S41). This hands-free call is continued until the signal of the communication end by the communication partner or the user is detected (S43: NO), and the signal of the communication end by the communication partner or the user is detected (S4).
3: YES), end the hands-free call (S45),
The line with the external communication line is released (S47), and this voice response process ends.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a call signal from the external communication line is detected, the user sets the mode to the answering machine mode (S23: YES) or the FAX only mode (S25: YES). In this case, the presence / absence of a voice response in the vicinity of the base unit 10 or the handset 50 (S27) is not executed.
23: YES) or FAX only mode (S25: Y
ES), the voice response function is executed based on the judgment of the voice recognition unit 12 due to the passing sound of the train or the siren of the ambulance, and the hands-free call is started. Good prevention.

As described above, the presence or absence of a voice response (S
27) Since the communication with the communication partner can be performed only when the sound belonging to the sound matching range determined by the sensitivity adjustment processing is confirmed, the matching range according to each user and the environment is set. Thereby, the adaptation range is set to the optimum range, malfunction of the voice response function can be prevented well, and usability is improved.

The present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is needless to say that various improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the present embodiment, an answering machine function, a facsimile function,
The cordless parent-child telephone device, which is a multi-functional telephone device having various functions such as a copy function, a scanner function, and a printer function, has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Phone equipment that is not
Needless to say, a good effect can be obtained even when the present invention is applied to a telephone device having no handset.

Further, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the range of the sound volume is changed stepwise when the adaptation range is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Needless to say, a good effect can be obtained even if the configuration is such that the adaptation range of the frequency can be changed.

[0040]

As described above, according to the telephone apparatus with the voice response function according to the first aspect, the voice response by the user can be accepted, and the voice response function does not malfunction due to ambient noise. Since the adaptation range including the length, frequency, and loudness of the voice can be set to the optimum range, the malfunction of the voice response function can be properly prevented, and the user can use the device easily. Further, since the sound adaptation range can be set while visually observing through the display unit, the setting of the sound adaptation range is facilitated and the usability is improved.

According to the telephone apparatus with the voice response function according to the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the telephone apparatus with the voice response function according to the first aspect, the communication with the communication destination via the voice response function is further performed. The adaptation range consisting of the length, frequency and loudness of the audio to be started can be set and displayed stepwise based on the loudness of the audio via the adaptation range setting unit, so that it can be simplified. With such a configuration, it is possible to effectively prevent malfunction of the voice response function, and it is very convenient for the user.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a cordless parent-child telephone device having a voice response function according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a sensitivity adjustment process.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display displayed during a sensitivity adjustment process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing operation of a voice response process.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Base Unit 12 Voice Recognition Unit 13 Base Unit Operation Panel 15 Base Unit LCD 25 Modem 31 Base Unit Speaker 33 Base Unit Microphone 50 Handset 53 Sub Unit Operation Panel 55 Handset LCD 61 Base Unit Speaker 63 Handset Microphone

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A microphone for inputting a voice, a speaker for outputting a voice, and when a call signal from an external communication line is detected, the length, frequency and size of the voice input from the microphone are changed. ,
A voice recognition unit that determines whether or not the voice belongs to the adaptation range; a voice response unit that can start communication with the communication partner via the microphone and the speaker based on a determination result by the voice recognition unit; With a voice response function, comprising: a matching range setting unit capable of arbitrarily setting a matching range of voice; and a display unit capable of displaying the matching range of the voice set via the matching range setting unit. Telephone equipment. 2. The telephone device with a voice response function according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation range setting section can set the adaptation range of the voice stepwise based on the volume of the voice.